 Chiccorra Connor
Chiccorra Connor, the CEO and Founder of Occupancy Heroes Incorporated (OHI), stands at the forefront of the multifamily industry as a visionary leader and two-time recipient of the Mecklenburg Times Most Influential Women award (2020, 2021). With over two decades of experience, she founded OHI, a renowned company offering nationwide services to assist multifamily real estate owners and their teams. Under her leadership, Maintenance Heroes, a division of OHI, has become a go-to resource for all things maintenance. She was among 100 entrepreneurs from across the country invited to The White House to advocate for minority entrepreneurship, showcasing her commitment to advancing opportunities for all. Chiccorra’s a sought-after speaker and trainer. With her wealth of experience and innovative insights, she captivates audiences and empowers professionals through engaging talks and transformative training sessions.
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 Adrian Danila
Adrian Danila, a distinguished public speaker and former multifamily executive, is an entrepreneur specializing in maintenance management services with extensive industry experience. Starting his journey in 2003 as a part-time groundskeeper, he rose to pivotal roles in service departments by 2007, managing maintenance operations and capital projects for major companies like Greystar and Cortland. In August 2023, Adrian founded the Multifamily X Consulting Group, leveraging over two decades of expertise to offer diverse services to property management companies. He also hosts the Multifamily Chronicles, The Multifamily Hangout, and Multifamily X podcasts, which are growing hubs for industry insight. Adrian holds a law degree from the Romanian American University, bringing a unique perspective to his multifamily management and consulting work.
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 Randy Dean
Randy Dean, the “E-mail Sanity Expert”®, is a professional speaker and expert on time & e-mail management, effective organization, and the related use of technology. For more than 25 years, Randy has been leading programs for major corporate, university, association, and government audiences. Obsessed with time management and personal productivity, he left a successful career in major corporate, university, and nonprofit organizations to become a leading speaker and trainer. He is the author of former Amazon bestseller, Taming the E-mail Beast. His highly informative and entertaining programs leave audience members with immediately usable tools, strategies, and skills on how to better manage their time, technology, and information overload following their program experience.
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 Dana Duckworth
Dana Duckworth is a nationally recognized public speaker, facilitator, and DEI advocate with over 14 years of experience in multifamily housing. Her commitment to creating inclusive spaces and her transparency have been key to her success. Dana has been honored as a certified employee resource group leader and the 2023 National Apartment Association DEI Champion of the Year. She holds a DEI certification from the University of South Florida and a B.S. in Sociology from HBCU Norfolk State University. Dana hosts the podcast "The Hilariously Unemployed," where she supports individuals navigating job loss. Her authentic approach and compassionate leadership make her a sought-after speaker and facilitator, creating safe environments for open dialogue and empowering individuals from all backgrounds.
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 Josie Eatmon
Josie Eatmon's journey in the rental housing industry began in 1999 when she became the Communications Director at the Triangle Apartment Association. Since then, her dedication has profoundly influenced both TAA and the industry. In 2023, Josie was honored with the NAA Lifetime Achievement Award for her exceptional contributions as an Association Executive. Under her guidance, TAA grew significantly and established two impactful non-profits, aiding homelessness and supporting professional development. Josie's influence extends nationally and she holds the esteemed Certified Association Executive credential, highlighting her commitment to excellence.
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 Kellie Falk
Kellie Falk is a Partner and Managing Director at Drucker + Falk, a real estate management firm overseeing 41,000 multifamily units and 1.5 million square feet of commercial space. Since joining in 1996, she has led new construction management, property repositioning, and business development. Kellie holds HCCP, CPM, CAM, and CAPS certifications and is a licensed Real Estate Broker in five states. She has received numerous awards, including the NC Women Business Owners Hall of Fame induction and Triangle Business Journal’s Women in Business Award. She has served as President of the Apartment Association of North Carolina and on several national and local boards. Currently, she chairs the Board of Trustees at Wake Tech Community College. A Meredith College and American University graduate, she actively supports various community organizations.
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 Kristi Fickert
Kristi Fickert is the Senior VP of Growth and Marketing at Kurie. She has 25 years of multifamily experience and spent 15 years in a senior marketing role for one of Nation's Top 50 management companies before working in the digital agency and technology sectors of the industry. She is an instructor for multifamily organizations around the country and has presented for a variety of industry events. Kristi is an ambassador for NAA’s 20 in their Twenties program, sits on NAA’s Marketing & Communications Committee and heads up the AI Xchange, a mutlifamily AI peer group. In addition, she has been a featured speaker for the Cincinnati Reds, Urban Land Institute and Commercial Real Estate Women. Kristi has also been featured on twelve different podcasts, is Co-Host of the LinkedIn Live ChatAPT talk show, has been published in UNITS magazine, recently launched a micro-video course called The Lens and spent four years in public office as an elected City Councilwoman.
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 Rich George
Rich George is the Founder of NOI Coach, a business coaching, consulting, and training firm based in Michigan and is the owner of Blue Door Apartments. A successful executive with over 30 years of experience, Rich brings a passion for employee development and culture building. Rich’s background includes the management of over 2.5 billion dollars of real-estate, and over 250 million dollars of capital re-investment. Known for his team building, culture changing, and leadership skills, Rich inspires audiences nationwide.
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 Ryan C. Greene
As the visionary founder of GreeneHouse Media, Ryan C. Greene, is the go-to visual media strategist for leaders, speakers, businesses and brands seeking to master, magnify, and monetize their unique message through the power of visual media. His focus is on producing and directing premium-quality, impactful, and entertaining visual media platforms that empower individuals to grow their influence, impact, and income by effectively conveying their stories and brands. As an international leadership trainer, Ryan empowers teams, companies and organizations, with leadership and professional development trainings and keynotes geared towards individual leadership development and team culture. Ryan's work has garnered recognition on major media platforms such as ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, The Washington Post, and various other esteemed outlets. Ryan's journey has led him to author 11 books and his expertise now extends to his own media network, GreeneHouse Media TV which is available for streaming to over 160M+ homes.
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 Bo Heath
Bo Heath serves as an Apartment Association of North Carolina’s Lobbyist, advocating for the multifamily housing industry through his expertise in government relations. He is also a partner with McGuireWoods LLP and leads McGuireWoods Consulting LLC’s North Carolina government relations group. Bo has extensive experience in developing and implementing comprehensive government and public affairs strategies, including drafting, monitoring, and lobbying legislation and regulatory rules.
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 Anna Javellana
Anna Javellana is a Master Certified Life and Weight Coach and the host of the Addicted to Busy podcast. With over ten years of residential, commercial, office, retail and industrial property management under her belt, she knows the numerous demands of this competitive industry. She is a proven leader in the industry with multiple accolades from the Minnesota Multihousing Association and the Institute of Real Estate Management. As an expert on both wellness coaching and property management, Anna has combined her love of the industry with her passion for self-development. She helps property management professionals take full ownership of their wellbeing by providing them with tools that will enable them to thrive while also managing their properties.
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 Chris King-Dye
Chris King-Dye has over 25 years of experience in property and facility operations. He currently oversees all assets and maintenance at The Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, and along with presenting educational sessions for management companies and apartment associations throughout the United States, he has held the roles of Executive Vice President, National Training Manager, Regional Maintenance Director, Community Manager, Service Manager, and Maintenance Technician. His diverse history includes working with small privately owned companies, large national REITS as well as higher education institutions. Chris is NAAEI Faculty, has an MBA in Facilities Management and has proudly served on the Boards of Directors and committees for local and state associations.
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 Andy Meador
Andy Meador is the VP and Director of Capital Projects with McDowell Properties. Andy started his career in the mid-80s as a groundskeeper and worked his way to numerous maintenance positions including Maintenance Director. He is a Past President of the Triangle Apartment Association (2017). He is a faculty member of the National Apartment Association's Education Institute; a CPO Instructor for the National Swimming Pool Foundation, a CFC Proctor, and also instructs portions of the CAM, CAPS and CAM national designations. Andy has presented at numerous state conferences including VAMA, AANC and FAA as well as the national stage and NAA's Apartmentalize.
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 Megan Orser
Megan Orser, the SAS (Smart Apartment Solutions) powerhouse, has over 26 years of experience in apartment management. As the head of operations for Smart Apartment Solutions and Smart Moves LLC, Megan offers occupancy solutions and property management services throughout the Midwest. Beyond her professional commitments, Megan actively serves on various local, state, and national committees and councils. She has held past and current board positions with her local and state affiliates, and she held the chair position for the Independent Rental Owner committee with NAA for 2024. In recognition of her expertise and contributions, Megan has been honored with two NAA Excel Awards, CALP of the Year and Industry Educator of the Year. Megan, supported by the Smart HQ team and affectionately known as "Smart Chick Megan," delivers engaging and interactive educational sessions based on practical experience and personal insights.
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 Susan Passmore
Susan Passmore has been with Blue Ridge since 2001 and serves as the Executive Vice President. She holds both Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) and Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS) designations through the National Apartment Association. She is also a graduate of the National Apartment Association Leadership Lyceum. Susan serves as Broker in Charge for Blue Ridge Property Management and is a licensed Real Estate Broker in multiple states. She started in multi-family property management in 1993. Susan is a past President of the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association as well as the Apartment Association of North Carolina and previous Region IV Vice President and Board member for the National Apartment Association. She currently serves as President for the Piedmont Triad Chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women (PTCREW).
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 Terry Ragland
Terry Ragland has 35 years of experience in property management and is Vice President of Property Management at Blue Ridge Companies. She actively gives back to the industry by teaching NAA designation classes, serving as an NAAEI Subject Matter Expert, and contributing to NAAEI’s Curriculum Development Committee. Locally, she has led the Triangle Apartment Association and its Education Foundation. At the state level, she has served on the AANC Board of Directors and chaired its Education Committee. She is also Past President of IREM’s Raleigh-Durham Chapter and serves nationally on IREM’s Governing Board and Knowledge and Products Committee. Terry holds a B.A. in Speech Communications from UNC Greensboro and is a CAM, CAPS, CPM, and licensed NC real estate broker.
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 Kara Rice
Kara Rice has more than 30 years of rental housing experience in roles ranging from leasing to leadership, with an emphasis on employee development and engagement. As VP of Education for Swift Bunny, she partners with multifamily leaders to boost team satisfaction, performance, and retention. Kara is a lifelong learner, an NAAEI Faculty member, a licensed Florida real estate sales associate, a lease guarantor for her two college kids, and owner of rental property. She lives in Southeast Florida with her family of five and spends her extra time and money on books and Broadway.
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 Rebecca Rosario
Rebecca Rosario, CALP, CAM, is President of Full House Marketing, Inc., based in N.C., and Founder of Diversity-Connection. She is an active member of the AANC, NAA and NAAEI. She speaks and consults for property management companies and apartment associations nationwide. In addition to over 30 self-authored talent development programs, Rebecca facilitates CALP, CAM, and CAPS for NAAEI. Acknowledgements include induction into the 2021 AANC Hall of Fame, and Globe St. Woman of Influence.
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 Ishea Shepherd
Ishea is a dynamic leader with experience in managing teams across various industries, including construction and hospitality. She holds a bachelor's degree in communications and construction management from Temple University and currently serves as Assistant Vice President at AMC Delancey Group, overseeing 55 scattered-site properties. A 2021 graduate of the National Apartment Association Diversity Leadership Program and a 2023 Leadership Lyceum graduate, Ishea is also a licensed real estate salesperson in Pennsylvania and serves on the National Apartment Association Board of Directors. Named the 2023 Emerging Leader of the Year by the National Apartment Association, she champions joyful leadership and authenticity, empowering people to thrive in inclusive environments.
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 Jared Schmidt
Jared Schmidt is a Partner and has been a member of the Loebsack & Brownlee team since the very beginning. Jared loves his fellow attorneys and teammates and prefers to travel around the state to hearings, lunch and learns, client events, and apartment association events to being stuck behind a desk all day. He is a diehard Cincinnati sports fan and, along with his wife Kris, he spends all of his free time entertaining the demands of his daughters and his dogs.
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 Samantha Simpson
Samantha was raised in Eagle River, Alaska and attended college at the University of Alaska Anchorage before attending Charlotte School of Law for law school. Samantha began her legal career as an associate attorney in a civil litigation firm in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2017, where she managed an active caseload, and focused her practice on real estate litigation, rezoning disputes, and other land use issues. Samantha joined Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC in August 2018 as an associate attorney in the Charlotte office. Samantha lives in Charlotte with her husband and two fur-babies. Outside of work, Samantha enjoys cooking, camping, and traveling.
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 Rodney Smith
Rodney Smith has over 22 years of law enforcement experience and is a body language expert, TEDx speaker, and upcoming author. He entered the law enforcement field in 2002 which has allowed Rodney to possess several years of criminal and regulatory investigative experience as a patrol officer and fraud investigator. Rodney holds multiple certificates and have extensive training in body language, interview and interrogation, statement analysis, elicitation, and is also a polygraph examiner. He has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and works part-time as a Criminal Justice Adjunct Instructor. Rodney has spent a majority of his career helping others and his extensive training, education, and experience has made him an expert and consultant to his fellow law enforcement colleagues as well as entrepreneurs and others interested in learning more verbal and non-verbal communication.
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 Sue White
Sue Donathan White is the owner of Donathan Properties, Inc., a multi-family housing development company she founded in 1983. She manages site selection, layout, marketing, and construction for apartment communities in North and South Carolina.A dedicated philanthropist, Sue has served on the Duke Cancer Board of Advisors since 2006 and received the William W. Shingleton Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. She has also served on the Greensboro Truist Bank Board and recently joined the Virginia Episcopal School Board of Trustees. She chaired the Alex de Tocqueville Society for United Way of Greater Greensboro, supporting the Family Success Center’s GED and childcare programs. A founding board member of the Country Club of North Carolina Foundation, she helps provide college funds for employees' children. Sue resides in Greensboro and enjoys time at her Pinehurst home.
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 Marcie Williams
Marcie Williams serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for Bainbridge Companies, overseeing Operations, Brand, Culture, and Growth and has over 30 years of industry experience including previous roles at RKW Residential as CEO, Greystar, and Camden Property Trust. She served Greater Charlotte Apartment Association (GCAA) on the Board of Directors, acted as Board President and is a founding member of the association's Education Foundation and Education Advisory Council. Other industry awards from GCAA include Volunteer of the Year, Instructor of the Year, and the prestigious Lex Marsh Lifetime Achievement award was recently installed into the associations President’s Circle. Marcie has also been honored with a Women in Business Award (2019) and recognized as a Most Admired CEO in both 2020 and 2021 by the Charlotte Business Journal. Additionally, she has been acknowledged as a Multifamily Influencer by Globe St.
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 Scott Wilkerson
Scott leads acquisition and investment activities for Ginkgo Residential, bringing over 35 years of multifamily industry experience. Previously, he held officer-level positions at BNP Residential Properties, overseeing acquisitions, rehabilitation, and repositioning of apartment communities across the Carolinas and Virginia. He holds a BS in Accounting from UNC and is a licensed CPA and real estate broker in North Carolina. Scott has served on the Board of Directors for the National Multifamily Housing Council and National Apartment Association, where he was also a Regional Vice President. He is a member of NAA’s Budget and Finance and Operations Committees and previously chaired the Green Housing Task Force. Additionally, he is a past President of both the Apartment Association of North Carolina and the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association.
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 Steve Wunch
Steve Wunch is a recognized thought leader in the multi-family sector, with over 30 years of experience in various roles on both the owner/operator and supplier/partner sides. Known for his humor and energetic presentations, Steve specializes in Sales/Leasing, Leadership Development, Customer Service, and Video Communication. He is called by some an “Industry Ninja”. Currently, he serves as the Industry Principal at SalesMail, where he leverages his deep industry knowledge to represent SalesMail externally. Steve is also a national speaker, available for keynote presentations and other speaking engagements, including acting and voice-over projects.
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Closing Keynote: Deborah Gardner